State Deems Two Haverhill Nursing Homes ‘Deficiency Free’ Once Again

From left to right, Lakeview House Administrator James F. Grimes and Baker-Katz Administrator William P. Grimes.

Two Haverhill nursing homes, Lakeview House Skilled Nursing and Residential Care Facility and Baker-Katz Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, received the federal government’s top five-star rating and have been deemed “deficiency free” again this year.

The state Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification made the determinations during separate unannounced surveys this spring. The division inspects nursing homes at least every 9-15 months to assess compliance with federal standards of care such as adequacy of staffing, quality of care and cleanliness of facilities.

“We take great interest in ensuring not only the highest levels of patient care and quality, but also work to maintain safe, clean and home-like facilities,” said Jon D. Guarino, president of Guarino-Grimes LLC, managers of the two nursing homes.

Baker-Katz employs approximately 87 staff to care for 68 skilled nursing and rehabilitation clients, said Administrator William P. Grimes. “The very high ratio of staff to patients is, in fact, one facet behind the state’s top rating,” he explained. “That’s what it’s all about—dedicated, competent and loving staff members.”

Lakeview House employs 88 employees to manage its 26-bed skilled unit and 65 rest home beds, said Administrator James F. Grimes. While much of the state’s focus is on physical building issues, he agrees, staff make the difference when it comes to delivering expert care. “High ratings are not easy to achieve. The credit goes to the day-to-day employees who strive to go the extra mile,” he said.

Surveys and on-site visits involve more than 100 items, including reviews of nursing home administration, nursing, resident rights, kitchen/food services and environment.

Lakeview House Skilled Nursing and Residential Care Facility, founded during the mid-1940s, provides 26 licensed skilled care beds and 65 residential care beds. It came under current management in 1983. Baker-Katz Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, founded during the mid-1960s, provides 68 skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation center licensed skilled care beds. It came under current management in 2001.